Kerala toll reaches 91, massive rescue operation underway

Footage shows the perilous journeys taken during unprecedented floods in Kerala which have left dozens dead

256 people have been killed and lakhs have been displaced ever since the monsoons set in in the state on May 29.

The airport in the port city of Kochi will stay shut until Saturday afternoon.

Muscat: Kerala Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan has set up an account to collect funds for relief efforts as the South Indian state reels from heavy flooding and rains. 53,500 people are now living in camps, and 7,500 families have been evacuated from Ernakulam alone.

"Residents in Alwaye, Chalakudy and parts of Ernakulam should listen to the people engaged in rescue operations as things can get worse during the day as the Periyar river is going to carry more water".

The rain and floods have destroyed and damaged hundreds of houses in the past week and caused significant losses to crops in the state known for its spices and coffee.

A member of parliament from Kerala, Shashi Tharoor, shared on Twitter an appeal for help made by a woman who said she was trapped on the third floor of a temple with phone batteries running out. All the stranded people will be saved by this evening.

North and central Kerala has been worst hit by the floods but all 14 of the state's districts have been put on "red alert" as heavy rain is predicted for several days.

Promoth Manghat, Executive Director, Finablr and Group CEO, said, "As a committed corporate citizen, who firmly believes in helping communities in times of need, it was our responsibility to do all that is in our power to aid the people of Kerala, who are facing this unprecedented natural calamity".

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